Lyndhurst residents’ group hoping to bring 'fresh eyes' to tax proposal: Letter to the Editor

Editor’s note: This letter was signed by 29 Lyndhurst residents, led by Jeffrey Salerno, and addressed Dec. 26 to Lyndhurst Mayor Joseph Cicero and members of Lyndhurst City Council.

We are writing, with good and cooperative intentions, as a group of Lyndhurst citizens concerned about the state of our city’s finances and what appears to be your decision to either increase the gross rate of city income tax, or to eliminate the one half of one percent tax “credit” (in plain words, a tax increase) on income that residents earn outside of Lyndhurst, without first providing residents with the opportunity to review and question the analysis you are using to justify such a decision. We are confident that the undersigned, as well as many other Lyndhurst residents, will, if afforded the opportunity, be able to assist you in your deliberations. We find that “fresh eyes” almost always bring new ideas.

On Dec. 5, a public records request was sent via certified mail to the city of Lyndhurst’s Finance Director, seeking all reports, projections (including key assumptions), analysis and spreadsheets used in your deliberations pertaining to budget preparations and a tax increase proposal.

The public records request letter was received by the Finance Director on Dec. 8. Nothing requested involved the creation of any new work. Everything requested existed at the time of our request and represents information used in your own deliberations. Despite requirements under Ohio law that these documents be “promptly” produced, they still have not been provided.

As our elected officials, subject to the laws of the state of Ohio, we demand that you immediately provide the requested documents so residents can review them. We ask that, after the community has had a reasonable opportunity to review these documents, a well-publicized “town hall” meeting be scheduled where residents can receive a detailed presentation by you on the financial condition and prospects of the city and then be afforded the opportunity to ask questions and provide input.

We further ask that no decision be made on the amount of taxes the citizens of our wonderful community have to pay be made unless and until such information has been released, the community has reasonable time to digest such information and the public meeting has taken place.

Finally, we demand if it is determined a tax increase is needed (including rescission of the current one half of one percent tax credit), that such an increase be made effective solely via an affirmative vote of the majority of Lyndhurst voters.

Jeffrey Salerno **C**

Lyndhurst **C**

Update: Salerno reported he received the requested documentation from the city Jan. 2 and he and his group are in the process of evaluating the budget and will schedule a town hall meeting in the near future.

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